Municipality awards title
deeds to 1 000 beneficiaries
THE lives of around
1 000 families were changed for the better on 1 September when the Municipality awarded them title deeds to their homes.
The title deed handover took place at the Cornubia Sports Field.
KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Human Settlements and Public Works Sipho Nkosi together with eThekwini Mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda and Chairperson of the Human Settlements and Infrastructure Committee Councillor Themba Mvubu officiated the title deeds handover ceremony. Having a title deed gives housing beneficiaries the right to ownership of their properties.
The title deed handover comes as MEC Nkosi is accelerating the Title Deed Restoration Programme as a priority in his office.
Through the programme, the Department hopes to speed up the opening of the formal property market in areas like Cornubia and other townships in eThekwini.
Some of the pre-1994 housing stock title deeds were handed over to beneficiaries from several areas including Austerville, Shallcross, Chatsworth, Bonela, Mayville, and Chesterville.
Post-1994 title deeds for Kingsburgh West, Parkgate, Cornubia, Tshelimnyama, St Wendolins, KwaMashu C-Section, Sithundu Hills, KwaDabeka, and Ntuzuma D-Section were also handed over.
Among the recipients was 91-year old Regina Mthalane from Chesterville who said she was relieved to have the title deed to her home.
MEC Nkosi encouraged beneficiaries to no sell their houses.
''We are aware that some people after applying for housing and receiving it, go on to sell it. We discourage the public from doing so,'' he said.
He added that it was pleasing to see title deeds being awards to residents from several different areas.
Mayor Kaunda said it was a special occasion to give people rightful ownership.
''We are restoring the dignity of people today through the title deed handover. The Cornubia Housing Project is continuing this year to meet the demand for housing.
I encourage you to treat Municipal infrastructure with respect. We congratulate all the title deeds beneficiaries today,'' he said.
He said they aimed to build 13 000 houses in Cornubia to bring people closer to work and other opportunities.
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Durban Business Fair 25th jubilee presents
jam-packed empowerment programme
THE 25th jubilee celebration of the Durban Business Fair (DBF) has plenty in store. South Africa's premier business exhibition platform will showcase a range of locally manufactured goods of over 550 businesses to thousands of local and international buyers. The DBF takes place from 22 to 24 September and has grown to become a key tool to accelerate the development of SMMEs through numerous empowerment seminars. The business exhibition offers a comprehensive experience with several features to empower businesses including the following:
- Agri-Business Hub- The Municipality's Agri-Business and Agro-Ecology will provide access to markets opportunities to farmers and valuable different commodity business lessons to aspiring farmers.
- The International Pavilion- will continue facilitating export opportunities and feature African and international delegates. For the 2023 programme, several countries are expected to participate in the fair including Ethiopia, Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, and the Creative Industry (Fashion) Learning Mission Programme from Freetown to name a few.
- Empowerment Stage- This will feature esteemed life coaches and motivational speakers who will offer advice.
- Furniture Manufacturing Pavilion- This section will provide a platform for high quality furniture manufactured by recently trained graduates from the Municipality's Umkhumbane Entrepreneurial Support Centre.
- Tech and Media Zone- This will provide visitors with virtual reality demonstrations which include robotics and coding equipment.
- Fashion Pavilion- This will help to boost the sales of local designers who will be showcasing at the Durban Fashion Fair.
- Kiddiepreneur Garden was introduced to plant an entrepreneurial seed at a young age for children aged 5 to 13 years.
- Institutions of Higher Learning such as Durban University of Technology and Boston Media House among others will be onsite to share their offerings.
- Durban Film Office Activation- The Durban Film Office will continue with its mandate of creating an inclusive and competitive City film industry that is a catalyst for economic growth and job creation. This will be done through presenting the financial and capacity building support they provide to emerging filmmakers and other activations to be hosted.
- Government Departments and Entities- This aims to bring services closer to the people. The South African Social Security Agency, Unemployment Insurance Fund, Electoral Commission of South Africa, Municipal services departments, and entities that provide business support will be onsite.
- Durban Souvenir Shop- The shop is funded by eThekwini Municipality and offers free access to markets opportunities for SMMEs. The shop will be selling products produced by local SMMEs that promotes destination Durban and the City's heritage.
For more information on other DBF activities or to RSVP, contact Mnqobi Mthethwa on 031 266 9937/082 659 4937 or email admin@lomes.co.za.
